Kobiragata Tenman-gū, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kobiragata Tenman-gū is a Shinto shrine built in the nagare-zukuri style, situated on the northern edge of Lake Inawashiro among pine trees along Tenjin beach. The building features a distinctive roof that extends smoothly over the front, with simple wooden construction and straightforward design maintained throughout its long history.
The shrine was established around 948 when priests from the Shiga region brought a statue of the god Sugawara no Michizane to this location. In the 17th century, the main hall was donated by local feudal lord Matsudaira Masakata, a structure that has survived to the present day.
The shrine honors Sugawara no Michizane, a historical scholar revered as a protective spirit who brings learning and success. Visitors light incense and leave written prayers on paper tablets, creating a space filled with quiet devotion and personal wishes.
The shrine is easily accessible by public transport from the train station with a short taxi ride or by car, with parking available for several hundred vehicles. The surrounding area offers opportunities for lakeside walks, and visitors can combine their visit with camping or fishing if they wish to stay longer.
The shrine houses a rare collection of san-gaku, mathematical problems inscribed on wooden plaques created by early mathematicians in the Meiji era. These colorful inscribed tablets display algebra, fractions, and sequences, forming a fascinating window into 19th century Japanese mathematical culture.
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